Shaun Robinson: I know you are a big fan of the classic Michael. I also know, having seen you perform it, that you have dedicated your life to the Slap Aces.

But, I want your opinion, a learned man of magic, and a true craftsman of the art, what is the ULTIMATE classic. What is the one effect that you think is elevated above all others. What do you think makes it so, and what do you think makes a classic?

Michael Vincent: The ultimate classical effect for me "could" be the one I am currently enjoying. Yes, I love the Slap Aces and have got a lot out of it over the last twenty years.

I have also enjoyed the Ladies Looking Glass, Everywhere and Nowhere, and the Ambidextrous Travelers. Each of these effect are showstoppers and are a part of my parlor act.

At the moment, I am having a ball with my version of the classic Conus aces. This is one of the most powerful effects I have ever done. You can check it out by reading The Royal Road to Card Magic. There is a performance of it on my new video The Joy of Magic.

This effects attacks the audience from all angles; visually, mentally and emotionally, the finish is a blockbuster.

This routine comes close. I am always on the look out for strong effects to add to my show. No matter what conditions I am working under I know that I have the very best material at my fingertips to handle any situation.

There some magicians who will dismiss certain types of effects because it doesn’t conform to the conditions where they work professionally. This is fine, but I prefer to prepare and wait. Slydini taught me to prepare for my show like a general preparing for war. You take all the ammunition you think you might need and do what is needed to get the job done successfully.

This concept works very well for me a professional performer. The audience doesn't know what to expect from me. The only thing they demand is that I give them my best effort, that is what they pay for.

Sometimes, the conditions can be so bad only you will know how much better things could have been. You take the rough with the smooth.

Graham: Do flourishes really have a place in card magic?

Apart from your elegant card handling, you keep your routines down to earth, even though you have the skills required. The routines are magical rather than a display of dexterity to the audience.

Many getting into card magic become captivated with fancy cuts, spinning etc which, to me, appears to be juggling rather than magic. The Buck twins are a case in point. However, there are many who would disagree with me quite strongly, and think that such displays of skill give an artist credibility in the eyes of the audience. I can understand the opposing viewpoint, but I'm still not convinced.

What are your views on this please?

Michael Vincent: Flourishes are to me what seasoning is to a great meal. They enhance and flavour but are not the meal themselves.

I use flourishes, but at strategic points in a routine where the flourish is used to communicate exactly what I want rather than is means of showing off.

Juggling isn't magic, but intelligent use of every tool we have at our disposal makes for better choice about what we wish to achieve.

John McDonald: We have been lucky in this country to have some great television magicians: David Nixon, Tommy Cooper, Paul Daniels, Paul Zenon, Wayne Dobson and more recently Derren Brown. Each have their own particular style of presentation which suits their personality and their magic.

This is a huge question and I don't really expect an answer but I'd really be interested in your view.

What is the future of television magic?

Do you see a lot of "variety" shows with a lot of different types of magic acts? Or Do you see another Paul Daniels type of show emerging? or something else?

It is always good to see magic on television but some recent shows have failed to communicate the real meaning of magic, the feelings of wonder and innocence of childhood when everything was magical.

Over to you.

I really like that title.

Michael Vincent: Your question John is difficult to answer.

Having grown up watching David Nixon, Doug Henning and various others on television, I know how effective good magic on television can be.

Magic on television has to compete with the CGI images which can be found in big budget movies. The visual effect in these films are jaw dropping. It will be tough for a magician to compete in this way know.

I believe that magic can survive but it will take a very special magician who has the skill and the charm to pull it off, other wise we will be subjected to the absolute garbage being offered as magical entertainment.

We must remain hopeful.

John McDonald: There are so many great magicians with great acts out there that rarely get a chance to air their talent on television.

In the past we were lucky to have John Fisher and Gary Ouellett as producers that loved real magical entertainment (and to a certain extent Parkinson.)

I am hopeful that someone in the magic circle or British Ring with television contacts or even the magic circle itself acting as a corporate body can elevate their art on television.

The recent tour by members of the magic circle was a great idea, so my next question is:

Do you think it would be possible for the Magic Circle or the British Ring to start producing their own television "specials" a la Copperfield/Ouellett with a new front man of magic?

Is it feasible? Do they have the resources?

I am hoping that new front man of magic could be YOU - you have all the qualities to be the next David Nixon, charm, wit humour and dazzling skill.

Michael Vincent: Thank you John for your kind words.

I would love the chance to share my interpretation of magic with the British public. Time will tell if my way of doing magic is agreeable with the people who make television programs. At the moment, it appears that quality magical and entertainment is not the flavor of the month.

Everything in life comes full circle.

Graham: Mr. McDonald is absolutely right. However, the bigger picture is that the current producers of such ahem *cough* shows such as 'Monkey Tragic' er sorry 'Magic' wouldn't dare embark on a project with Mr. Vincent. Why? Because to do so would lead to the obvious question by the audience "Wow, this is great stuff, so why haven't we had this guy before?" Then the penny would drop, and the producers would show themselves up for having created such previous garbage. I think a lot of in-house politics comes into play here as well. Who loses? The audience (again).

Sadly, for those of you who have yet to experience the beauty of Mr. Vincent's work all this will appear meaningless.

John McDonald: Well until that happy day when things turn full circle and quality magic is back on the menu can I say how much I have enjoyed watching the videos of your performances at the Magic Circle that I bought in Blackpool

Are you planning on releasing any more videos from your website this year?

I know that you are writing a book. Do you have a publication date yet? Will it be published this year. i am sure there will be more than enough material to practice in my lifetime and probably well beyond my standard.

Michael Vincent: Thanks John

My new video is called "The Joy of Magic". It is a performance tape with the explanation of one effect, "The Conus Aces".

The performance material includes, a very interesting version for the Cups and Balls, Ramsay's Cylinder and Coins, my version for The Collectors and a Tribute to Jack Avis.

The video sells for £30.00; check my website for details. This video is not for the beginner because, the Conus aces is very top heavy with technique but the effect is a showstopper.

The book will not be ready for a while; I anticipate publication sometime next year.

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